"Just as one injured Hawks starter (forward Marvin Williams) is making progress in his return to the court another (center Al Horford) might be forced to miss time.

It has been a recurring theme for the Hawks, who haven't been able to keep their rotation intact for more than a week or two at a time because of injuries. Horford's status is in question after he suffered a sprained right ankle Tuesday at Miami, while Williams has missed the past nine games with a back bruise.

Horford twisted his ankle when he landed awkwardly after taking a shot in the second half of the Hawks' 93-89 victory. He didn't rule out playing against New Orleans on Friday at Philips Arena.

"It is still kind of up in the air," Horford said Thursday. "I'm just going to get a lot of treatment and see how it feels tomorrow at shootaround. Kind of taking it day-by-day."

Williams (back) practiced Thursday for the first time since suffering the injury Dec. 29. He wasn't cleared for contact, but was able to participate because the Hawks were doing only drill work."